The most romantic venue on Lake Como — photographed by a team that lives here.
Why Villa del Balbianello?
There is no place quite like Villa del Balbianello. Perched on a narrow peninsula on the southwestern shore of Lake Como, it is the backdrop that most couples picture when they imagine proposing in Italy — the terraced gardens, the iconic Loggia Durini with its three arches draped in ancient boxwood, the water catching the last light of the afternoon.
We have photographed proposals and elopements at Villa del Balbianello more times than we can count. As a team based in Bellagio — just a short boat ride away — we know every corner of these gardens, every change in light throughout the day, and every logistical detail that can make or break your session. When you arrive, everything is already taken care of.
Everything you need to know before booking
Villa del Balbianello, in Lenno, is managed by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) and requires a photography permit for professional shoots.
Villa del Balbianello is perfect for proposals, elopements, engagement sessions and micro-weddings.
Private Session
After closing time, you can have two hours of complete privacy in the gardens of Villa del Balbianello — just you, your partner, and our team.
This is our favourite solution for proposals. With no other visitors around, you can focus entirely on the moment, explore the Loggia Durini at your own pace, and let the sunset light do the rest. In spring, the wisteria blooms along the garden stairs, adding an extraordinary layer of colour to the scene.
Private sessions are available year-round and can also be the perfect setting for an elopement or an honeymoon, with editorial and cinematic possibilities that open up when the gardens are entirely yours. The option of arriving by traditional wooden boat adds another dimension to the experience entirely.
Private sessions must be booked at least 90 days in advance.
Read the story of Harry to discover more about this experience — including how we incorporated a wooden boat into his proposal film.
Read the story of Kyla and follow their elopement journey through the garden
Photoshoot during the opening time
This is the ideal option for a couple shoot or engagement session. You will share the gardens with other visitors, but our team knows exactly how to work the space — finding the quiet corners, timing the light, making it feel like the place belongs to you.
If you are visiting in late April, the wisteria in bloom along the garden stairs is something you will never forget. Read about the engagement session we captured during the wisteria season.
What if it rains?
Embrace it. The lake takes on a completely different mood under grey skies — dramatic, cinematic, and entirely unique. Garrett and Kelly did exactly that and had an incredible session with us. Some of our favourite images from Balbianello were taken in the rain.
Plan your Villa Balbianello proposal or elopement
Ready to start planning? Tell us your date, the kind of session you have in mind, and whether you need photo, video, or both. Contact us to check availability.
How to reach Villa del Balbianello
The best way to arrive at Villa del Balbianello is by boat — and not just for practical reasons. Arriving by water gives you your first photographs before you even set foot in the gardens, with the villa rising above you from the lake exactly as it appears in every dream of Lake Como.
We always recommend booking a private boat taxi. A private boat taxi picks you up wherever you are staying, at exactly the time we agree, and brings you directly to the villa’s private dock. From Bellagio the journey takes around 20 minutes and is particularly scenic.
We work with a trusted boat taxi service and are happy to share our suggestions. Just let us know where you are staying and we will take care of the rest.
FAQ
Do you need a permit to photograph at Villa del Balbianello?
Yes. Professional photography and videography require a permit issued by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano). We can guide you trough the process if yu need it.
How far in advance should I book a photo session?
Photo sessions must be booked at least 90 days in advance. We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially if your date falls between April and October when availability fills up quickly.
Can you film a proposal video at Villa del Balbianello?
Absolutely — and we strongly recommend it. Our team covers both photo and video, so your proposal is captured from every angle simultaneously. Several of our couples have also incorporated a traditional wooden boat into their film, arriving at the villa by water.
What is the best time of year to visit?
March to October is the season we work at Villa del Balbianello. Late April is particularly special — the wisteria blooms along the garden stairs and transforms the whole atmosphere. Private sessions are available throughout the season, subject to 90-day advance booking.
Other Lake Como venues
Villa Balbianello is extraordinary, but it is not the only venue worth considering. If you are still exploring options, we also work regularly at:
- Villa Melzi — private gardens with a neoclassical architecture
- Bellagio — the village itself offers stunning lakeside backdrops without a permit requirement
- Villa Monastero — for intimate proposals with an uninterrupted lake view